A new model for electricity production and consumption by households and businesses is being introduced through the revised self-consumption framework, which aims to make the use of solar energy easier, more flexible, and more financially beneficial.

At the center of the changes is the possibility of installing small photovoltaic systems even on residential balconies, as well as the use of standalone storage systems, significantly expanding the options available to consumers who want to reduce their electricity costs.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy has placed the new Ministerial Decision defining the framework for the development, installation, and connection of self-consumption stations using Renewable Energy Sources (RES) under public consultation.

The goal is to better organize the market, simplify procedures, and broaden citizens’ and businesses’ access to producing their own electricity.

Balcony solar panels and storage systems

For the first time, the possibility of installing small photovoltaic systems with a capacity of up to 800 watts is being introduced. These are the now widely known “balcony solar panels,” allowing even apartment residents to use solar energy to cover part of their daily electricity needs.

At the same time, the installation of standalone electricity storage systems is being institutionalized. These systems will be used exclusively for self-consumption, without feeding electricity back into the grid.

The new framework includes specific technical requirements and safety safeguards, aimed at protecting both the electricity network and consumers’ installations.

The changes follow the recent legislative framework promoting Renewable Energy Sources and seek to create a clear and functional regulatory environment for all forms of self-consumption.

Simpler procedures and greater participation

The new regulatory framework clarifies all procedures related to the implementation of different self-consumption schemes, while introducing rules for integrating storage systems into existing or new installations.

At the same time, opportunities for households, businesses, farmers, Local Government Organizations, and Energy Communities to participate in the energy transition are being expanded.

The goal is for more consumers to gain greater control over their energy consumption, reduce electricity bills, and strengthen their energy independence.

The development of self-consumption has now become a key tool for strengthening energy democracy, as it allows an increasing number of citizens to produce clean electricity for their own needs, reducing their dependence on fluctuations in energy market prices.

The momentum behind the sector is also reflected in recent figures. From 2020 until today, 37,407 self-consumption systems with a total capacity of 1,070 MW have become operational, with particularly strong participation from households and businesses.

By contrast, during the period 2015–2019, only 1,772 systems with a total capacity of 36 MW had been installed, highlighting the significant acceleration of the market.

More flexible framework for self-consumers

The amendment of the Ministerial Decision seeks to address problems identified during the implementation of the existing framework, providing consumers with greater flexibility.

Among other things, it clarifies the procedures for applying and financially settling self-consumption schemes, facilitates collective self-consumption in apartment buildings and residential complexes, and allows third parties to develop facilities on behalf of the final self-consumer.

In addition, the possibility is introduced for participants to be represented by different electricity suppliers, while under certain conditions it becomes possible to switch from one self-consumption scheme to another, as well as for a single electricity supply point to participate in more than one facility.

At the same time, special transitional provisions are provided for systems already in operation, ensuring that adaptation to the new framework can take place without additional financial costs and with immediate benefits for self-consumers.

Digital services and “smart” meters

An important part of the reform concerns the digital modernization of services related to self-consumption.

The framework provides for the acceleration of smart meter installation for those joining the relevant schemes, as well as the creation of an Electronic Self-Consumption Registry.

The new information system will enable the digitalization of procedures and faster exchange of information between the involved parties, reducing bureaucracy and speeding up service for citizens.

The public consultation on the new framework is already underway and will conclude on July 20, 2026.

The aim is for comments and proposals from interested parties to be taken into account before the finalization of the Ministerial Decision, which seeks to make self-consumption simpler, more accessible, and more efficient for households and businesses, while also contributing to lower energy costs and accelerating the green transition.